Three races, three different pole sitters, three different winners, and just a one-point gap between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Standings. The 2025 Formula 1 season has started in a thrilling way, keeping the predictions and expectations higher than ever.
As we headed into an action-packed triple header last week, the journey now continues back to Bahrain, the circuit that hosted pre-season testing in February. This weekend will feature not only Formula 1, but also the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series – meaning we’re in for another packed schedule full of thrilling action.
Track breakdown
The Bahrain International Circuit, located in the heart of the Sakhir Desert, is a pride of the country. In 2004, it became the first track in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix and has remained on the calendar ever since, with the only exception being in 2011 due to the Bahraini uprising.
The circuit itself provides unique challenges for both drivers and engineers, with long straights, high-speed sections, and tight corners.
Measuring 5.412 kilometres, the circuit features 15 challenging corners and three DRS zones, offering drivers plenty of overtaking opportunities. In 2021, there were 55 overtakes after the first lap alone, proving that Bahrain is traditionally one of the easiest tracks to overtake on.
The lap record is held by Pedro de la Rosa, with a time of 1:31.447 set in 2005 while driving for McLaren. The Spanish driver finished in sixth place, with his fellow countryman Fernando Alonso winning the race.
Weather forecast
As the Bahrain Circuit lies in the middle of the Sakhir desert, track conditions are usually quite challenging.
The sun is expected to shine brightly for Friday’s FP1, with temperatures rising up to 30°C and dropping slightly during FP2 as the sun begins to set.
Similar conditions are expected for Saturday’s FP3 and later during Qualifying. Sunday’s race is scheduled to start at 18:00 local time, meaning temperatures will drop as the sun sets, and the first night race of the season will unfold under the glow of the circuit lights.
These high temperatures will put additional stress on the tyres and make tyre management crucial. However, thanks to the data gathered during pre-season testing, teams should have a solid baseline to guide their weekend strategy.
No rain is expected either, making this the first race weekend of the season without any wet conditions on the radar.
Every point counts
The field is closer than ever, and with Norris leading the Championship standings, Verstappen will be pushing to score more points than his McLaren rival to reclaim the top spot. After delivering a generational lap in Japanese qualifying and securing his first win of the season, the Dutchman brought the title fight back on.
Schedule
Friday
F3: Practice: 10:55 local time / 9:55 CEST
F2: Practice: 12:05 local time / 11:05 CEST
F1: Free Practice 1: 14:30 local time / 13:30 CEST
F3: Qualifying: 16:00 local time / 15:00 CEST
F2: Qualifying: 16:55 local time / 15:55 CEST
F1: Free Practice 2: 18:00 local time / 17:00 CEST
Saturday
F3: Sprint Race: 13:15 local time / 12:15 CEST
F1: Free Practice 3: 15:30 local time / 14:30 CEST
F2: Sprint Race: 17:15 local time / 16:15 CEST
F1: Qualifying: 19:00 local time / 18:00 CEST
Sunday
F3: Feature Race: 12:55 local time / 11:55 CEST
F2: Feature Race: 14:25 local time / 13:25 CEST
F1: Race: 18:00 local time / 17:00 CEST